The Oct. 10-11 Homecoming weekend will be a little different this year.
In response to severe and extreme drought throughout northern New England, New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte recently issued a , making open fires unlawful until weather conditions change.
The U.S. Drought Monitor Index says central New Hampshire remains , and the U.S. Forest Service has as a precaution.
The New Hampshire burn ban has prompted a change this year to Dartmouth Night on Friday, Oct. 10, when, traditionally, the first-year class parades around the Homecoming bonfire on the Green. This year, the celebration continues, but instead of open flames, the festivities will take the form of an interactive light and laser show set to a soundtrack performed by Dartmouth student DJs.
The light show—orchestrated by the same vendor that in recent years has created the popular winter experience—promises to be “spectacular,” says , interim dean of undergraduate student affairs.
“By reimagining our tradition, we are respecting community safety and environmental responsibility while creating a new and unforgettable experience for this year’s Homecoming weekend,” Hudak said in a message to students about the change in plans.
One highlight: Members of the Class of 2029 will receive light-up wristbands synchronized to the soundtrack, making them part of the show.
“While the bonfire itself cannot take place, the essence of the tradition—community, class unity, and celebration—remains central to our planning,” says EJ Kiefer, executive director of conferences and events and a member of the Homecoming Bonfire Committee.
The evening will include other Dartmouth Night customs as scheduled: the annual “sweep” of first-year students to the Green, the alumni parade, house community spirit stations, and speeches from senior leaders and student athletes.
This is not the first time in recent years that Dartmouth Night has had to adapt because of public health or safety concerns. Most recently, in October 2020—the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when large public gatherings on campus were restricted—the festivities went virtual. But the bonfire flames returned the following year, and the bonfire will also return to Homecoming next year as conditions allow.
Meanwhile, for , other events will continue as planned, including four varsity games:
Friday, Oct. 10
6 p.m.: Volleyball vs. Princeton, Leede Arena
Saturday, Oct. 11
11 a.m: Women’s rugby vs. Bowdoin, Brophy Field
Noon: Field hockey vs. Princeton, Chase Field
1:30 p.m. Football vs. Yale, Buddy Teevens Stadium at Memorial Field
Off the field, visitors throughout the weekend can enjoy an exhibition on the history of the Appalachian Trail at Dartmouth Library’s Rauner Special Collections Library, tours of the Baker Library bell tower, Saturday tailgates, and more.
More details are available from .
